In a surprise announcement during class, American Career College student Nisha S. learned she had won a $5,000 scholarship — and that she's going to Vegas, baby!
Awarded to one student nationwide who exhibits persistence, dedication, and a highly positive attitude, Nisha was nominated for the Christopher J. Eaton Memorial Scholarship by Charles Gover, the ACC-Los Angeles assistant director of education. In addition to the $5,000 academic prize, Nisha was invited to accept her award in Las Vegas at the 2024 Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools conference this March.
“It's taken a lot to get where I am, but I did it. And I'm very grateful and very honored,” Nisha said. “My journey here has been amazing.”
Before attending ACC, Nisha was a surgical technologist in the Air Force until a devastating car accident derailed her life and career. A single mother to three daughters, Nisha had to relearn to walk after the crash — the first of many steps on the path to recover from her numerous injuries.
“I had several surgeries and was in a wheelchair for a year — it changed my life forever,” Nisha said. “I came back to do this career again because it’s been a yearning, and I felt like it was taken from me. So I came back to heal that part of me.”
A 4.0 student with impeccable attendance, Nisha now serves as a student ambassador for the surgical technology program and provides leadership within her classes. Nisha is also one of the leading ACC volunteers for events in the Los Angeles area. Her favorite community activity was visiting the Ronald McDonald House and cooking for families with children requiring long-term hospital care.
“The goal of the Christopher J. Eaton Memorial Scholarship is to recognize students who display a high level of integrity and perseverance,” ACC Co-President Susan Pailet said. “Nisha is the perfect example of a person who overcame incredible challenges by never quitting on herself and putting in the extra work. I’m so proud of Nisha for achieving her goals and thankful for the role American Career College played in helping her reach them.”
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